If you are carrying out construction work and need to drill foundations, you may be wondering what actions you can take to prevent your drills from becoming stuck in the borehole. Below is a guide to some measures you can take to prevent your drill head from being stuck.

Consider the Ground Conditions

Because the head of a drill can become extremely hot during the drilling process, the majority of bore drills use a water pump to cool the moving parts down. However, while spraying water onto the drill may keep it cool, it will also add moisture to the surrounding ground. Before you begin drilling you should take a sample of the ground so you can establish the conditions you will be working in.  

If you are drilling in clay soil, you should try to limit the amount of water used to cool the drill. If you spray too much water onto clay, it can expand causing the drill head to become stuck.

If you are drilling in sandy soil, you should be aware that the water can cause the sand to shift which may prevent the drill from rotating properly. You should purchase specialist sandy soil additives from a construction supply store. These additives help to stabilise the sand to prevent it from shifting during drilling operations.

Check the Equipment

The other leading cause of drilling problems is the failure of the drilling equipment. For example, if the drill rod string is worn, it may suddenly snap causing the drill bit to fall to the bottom of the core you are drilling in the ground. If this occurs, you will need to suspend drilling operations and spend time trying to retrieve the drill bit.

You should also check the water tank and delivery system. During drilling operations, soil and sludge can collect in the water system, resulting in a reduced flow of water in the bore which can cause the drill to overheat. 

Before you commence any drilling operations on your site, you should check that the drill rod string and water tank are in good working order. If you notice that any component needs to be replaced or repairs, you should carry out the necessary work before beginning to drill.

If you have any questions or concerns about drilling operations, you should contact a professional drilling company today. They will be able to inspect and repair your equipment before you begin work.